Tuesday, 24 November 2009
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Tecoma Supermarket
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tecoma village action group
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Great news, VCAT has handed down its decision today to reject the proposal for a super-sized supermarket in Tecoma. This is a great result for the local community, who can now rest, safe in the knowledge that a big box has been judged by VCAT as inappropriate for this site.
The main reasons that VCAT gave for their decision was that the development was too large for the Tecoma Village as the design did not factor in local character enough, and that the 11m wall that would have faced the residents was totally inappropriate.
Below are some extracts from the VCAT decision:
"we consider that new development within Tecoma should be moderated/tempered in its scale and extent to ensure that it respects the established low profile and modest built form character of the centre, while responding to modern day retailing and service needs of the community...., we have concluded that the proposal does not strike this balance."
"By its very nature, adopting what may be described as a ‘big box’ design, the proposed building will be inconsistent with the fine grain which characterises this centre. While we understand that expansive floor plates are required for supermarket developments, a tempered approach should be adopted to reflect an acknowledgement of the modest scale of development which prevails in the centre."
In reference to the 11m wall a short distance from residences."
"no meaningful attempt has been made to moderate the height and, potentially, extent of the built form at its northern end"
"We do not consider that the interface of the review site with the adjoining residential land has been successfully resolved. It appears to us that the resultant built form is largely a function of the desire to obtain a certain floorplate size on the land, rather than a considered response to the constraints of the land – including the slope and the residential interface."
Thanks to all the members of the Tecoma Village Action Group who worked tirelessly to develop a case to present to VCAT on behalf of the community. We should keep in mind that it is a rare event when a community wins over a supermarket. Indeed this is the second case in Victoria. The other being in the nearby Mt Evelyn.
The members of the community also deserve acknowledgement for the role they have played in making this possible whether by volunteering time, donating money/goods to the cause, eating a sausage at one of the sausage sizzles or attending an events.
We have a Spring Market this weekend - which will probably double as a celebration of some kind. Information about this event was posted earlier. Hope to see you there.
The main reasons that VCAT gave for their decision was that the development was too large for the Tecoma Village as the design did not factor in local character enough, and that the 11m wall that would have faced the residents was totally inappropriate.
Below are some extracts from the VCAT decision:
"we consider that new development within Tecoma should be moderated/tempered in its scale and extent to ensure that it respects the established low profile and modest built form character of the centre, while responding to modern day retailing and service needs of the community...., we have concluded that the proposal does not strike this balance."
"By its very nature, adopting what may be described as a ‘big box’ design, the proposed building will be inconsistent with the fine grain which characterises this centre. While we understand that expansive floor plates are required for supermarket developments, a tempered approach should be adopted to reflect an acknowledgement of the modest scale of development which prevails in the centre."
In reference to the 11m wall a short distance from residences."
"no meaningful attempt has been made to moderate the height and, potentially, extent of the built form at its northern end"
"We do not consider that the interface of the review site with the adjoining residential land has been successfully resolved. It appears to us that the resultant built form is largely a function of the desire to obtain a certain floorplate size on the land, rather than a considered response to the constraints of the land – including the slope and the residential interface."
Thanks to all the members of the Tecoma Village Action Group who worked tirelessly to develop a case to present to VCAT on behalf of the community. We should keep in mind that it is a rare event when a community wins over a supermarket. Indeed this is the second case in Victoria. The other being in the nearby Mt Evelyn.
The members of the community also deserve acknowledgement for the role they have played in making this possible whether by volunteering time, donating money/goods to the cause, eating a sausage at one of the sausage sizzles or attending an events.
We have a Spring Market this weekend - which will probably double as a celebration of some kind. Information about this event was posted earlier. Hope to see you there.
